Masking fluid provides unique and creative possibilities for printing with Gelli®. Watch this video to see how it works!
Masks are used as a barrier between the paint on the gel plate and the printing paper. The purpose is to block the transfer of paint from the plate to the paper in selective areas.
It’s easy to cut a paper mask to the shape you want to block out on your print — or use a found object or stencil as a mask. (See previous blog tutorial for more information on using paper masks!)
But what if you want to mask handwriting, or a gestural line, or drawn symbols, or small random marks?
That’s when using masking fluid is the way to go!
 |
| Gelli print with masked marks |
Masking fluid (also called liquid frisket) is a fluid solution that dries to a rubbery film. It creates a barrier — and paint applied over it is easily removed by peeling it off.
Watercolorists use masking fluid for preserving selective areas of the white of the paper — or for preserving areas in a layer of color that will be painted over.
Good news! Masking fluid can be used for gel printing too!
You can apply masking fluid directly to your unprinted paper.
 |
| Masking fluid preserves areas of the white of the paper in a Gelli® print
When applied onto a printed layer — masking fluid will preserve the color under it.
Masking fluid applied over a printed layer preserves the color of that layer These steps explain the process:
1. Pull a print to add color to the paper. (This is the color you’ll see when the mask is removed) 2. When the print is completely dry, apply the masking fluid to the paper. |
 |
| Masking fluid applied over a Gelli print
3. Allow the masking fluid to dry completely! Thin areas dry quickly, but thick areas or blobs can take a while.
4. When the mask is completely dry — you can print on the paper as usual. |
 |
| Dry masking fluid on Gelli® print
5. You can print multiple layers over the masking fluid! The mask can be removed even when there’s quite a bit of paint covering it! |
 |
| Several layers printed over dry masking fluid
IMPORTANT: The print must be completely dry before the next step. 6. When the paint is fully dry, gently rub the mask off the paper. You can use a rubber cement pick-up, or gently rub with a clean finger to remove it. The stretchy, rubbery mask will ball up and can be pulled off. |
 |
||||||
| The print is dry and ready for the masking fluid to be peeled off
Important Information and Tips for Using Masking Fluid:
For success with masking fluid … always keep in mind:
The print must be completely dry before you remove the masking fluid.
And one more fun thing … after you pull a print, the relief from the dry masking fluid can sometimes leaves a nice imprint in the paint left on the gel plate. Quickly pull that ghost print for another cool image! And the ghost is right-reading! (See previous blog tutorial for more information on Ghost Printing!)
Have fun exploring the creative possibilities using masking fluid with gel printing. Consider it another great tool for making your mark!
And now we have a SPECIAL GIVEAWAY to get you excited about using masking fluid … on our NEW 8” ROUND GELLI® PLATE!!!
|
Your articles are awesome for a newbie in this craft. Would love a new shape to
Continue my adventure…
Great idea with the Frisket – more items for my shopping list. The possibilities are just endless!
Oh my! As anticipated – this is populat,
I use my two gellis a lot and I would love to try out the round one! Thanks for the opportunity!….also thank for keeping the 'rules' of the give-away simple with no skipping hither tither and yon!
What fun! Would love to win.
This is the first I've heard of the round plate, looks like fun and something I would like to have in my tool box. Thanks for the chance….Anna
I'm liking this idea to get a negative look in mixed media!
Can't wait to experiment more!
So excited to experiment with these new plates
Wow!!! what a cool way to mask! tried it last nite…it was AWESOME! The give-away package would be a great Thanksgiving present!
Great idea! I think I still have some masking fluid around here somewhere….
I am in love with my Gelli and love learning new ways to use it!
Such a cool idea! Would love to be selected. I use my smaller geli plate all the time!
I love this technique and I would love to win. I've been making prints with a gelatin plate but you have to keep making a new one which is a pain. I've also used a piece of glass but it is not the same.
Just love all the possibilities with the Gelli plate and this new technique looks nice and easy. Will have to buy some to try on my plate
What a wonderful video, thanks so much and needless to say I would Love to win this prize.
Rosalie Ackerson rosalieackerson@yahoo.com
Will try the masking fluid with my plate. God tutorial… 🙂
Oh my goodness! I NEED that round gelli plate, I am saving for it. I have some ideas for combining masking with calligraphy and the round plate!!!!!!
This is amazing fun! I am thankful for an extra day off this week to Gelli!
Edie
This comment has been removed by the author.
Thanks for all the great projects. I would Love to win !!
Thanks for the new technique. Can't wait to give it a try.
I get so excited when you post a new technique. Thanks for the fabulous ideas. I don't have a round plate so I hope I win!
Another brilliant idea of the gelli arts blog ! I will definitely be giving this a try, ooooooh and what a fabulous prize, thanks for sharing x
I can't wait to try the new masking technique with the Gelli Plate. Love the square one I have.
mypridenjoy@embarqmail.com
as usual loved watching the whole process and can't wait to try it myself!
Love what you can do with the masking fluid. Looks like another fun thing you can do with your gelli plate. Hope I win.
What fun things you can do with the gelli plate(s) – the possibilities are endless.
I will definitely try the masking fluid technique. That is a great was to sign my works!!
How FUN!!!! Can't wait to give it a try!!!!! Great video and very clear on the steps to use the masking fluid…TFS thanks too for a chance to win the round Gelli Plate and goodies! I love working with my two Gelli plates!! It's addictive!
Jan
I enjoy all the techniques you show using the gelli plates! Would love to give it a try!
Would love to try the new round Gelli plate !
I am currently without a Gelli pad and I am dying to play with one! This would be the best Thanksgiving ever if I won – thanks for the chance 🙂
Really enjoyed the overlapping circle technique. I can see a lot of possibilities.
Brenda
Great technique – I love to play with masking fluid. Thanks for the chance to win!
Great masking tutorial! Would also love to try this technique. Thanks for a chance to win!
I can't wait to give this a try and pass it on to my students.
Love, love, love!!! Can't wait to try this technique.
Use masking in water colors, would love to try it with my gelli plate. Lissag123@verizon.net
This looks like so much fun! Thanks for the tute!
Love the techniques you show!! They are sooo inspiring. I love the COLOR and DESIGN … beautiful! I'd also would love to be entered for winning any of these items. Thank you so much for your generosity!!
Your videos are inspirational – as always. Can't wait to try liquid masking with Gelli printing.
Great tutorial. Would love to play with the round Geli plate.
i have loved watching this video and have tried ot myself…..great fun. Thanks for sharing it with us. Good luck to all who enter this giveaway. Lynda
What another super cool video!!!!! Love the round gelli plate atop the music fluid as well! Have to do this!!!!
Love the tutorial and the use of the two different Gelli plates along with the masking technique. Endless possibilities!
Wow! Love discovering the possibilities.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I just received my Gelli plate and can't wait to try it out. Thanks for the tip on using masking fluid.
I always learn so much on your blog! Thanks!
Great technique! Can't wait to try it & would absolutely love to win the round plate – thank you.